“I got my own mic/
I got my own flow
No fake ass label trying to
Tell me how to run my show … ”
— Natalise, “Its My…”
In the ever-evolving world of pop music, singer-songwriter Natalise reveals that she isn’t the manufactured pop star-in-waiting. With her second album, I Came to Play, Natalise mixes exotic beats, melodic lyrics and soulful energy. She shows there is more to Natalise than her dance hooks and girlie looks.
A Bay Area local and Stanford graduate, Natalise got her first hit single, “Love Goes On,” in February 2002 from her debut album, Forever Now. Natalise spoke to AsianWeek on the release of her new CD.
AW: You studied opera and musical theater, classically trained in piano and recently taken up the guitar, how did your creative background influence your present career?
Natalise: I have always been musically creative and I love to write. I learned to play the piano at the age of 3 and when I was little, I would write stories and poems. I also grew up around music. Looking back, [my love] for music and writing all came together in a natural way.
AW: You won a grant through Asian American Arts Center to intern at an Asian American-owned record company, 888 Records, can you describe that experience?
N: It all started when I won the Michael Futagaki Memorial Scholarship. I found this interesting to pursue since there were such few Asian American figures in the music industry. … In a certain way, [the experience] intrinsically imbedded in me this passion for music. … I considered it as more of a mentorship than an internship. It was great. I was able to gain first-hand knowledge and observe activities upfront. I then used the grant to create a demo on my own. With the finished product, I signed with 888 Records and released my first album, Forever Now. After the release of my first album, there was always creative tension. I was ready to move on but [the record label] wasn’t.
AW: What was the main reason for changing record labels?
N: I had to sit down and evaluate what I wanted for myself and my career. I constantly asked myself, “Do I really want to?” I realized that it was safer to stay, but in the end, I wanted to write what I wanted and what they wanted wasn’t me.
AW: How would you describe your music?
N: People describe it as urban crossover. I personally describe it as fun music with meaning and something behind it.
AW: Who are your musical influences?
N: In terms of piano playing –– Brian McKnight. In terms of an overall performer –– Janet Jackson. Vocally, I admire Stevie Wonder and Christina Aguilera. I try not to compare myself to these artists.
AW: Which CDs are currently in your player?
N: I listen to everything. Currently, I find Christina Aguilera’s album great to warm up to. Also, I am listening to Justin Timberlake, Coldplay and Jason Mraz.
AW: You’ve been known for paving the way for APA artists and changing the face of pop music. What obstacles and pressures did you face?
N: I think the challenge for all Asian American artists is to really try to go beyond the initial impression. The challenge is to have people listen to the music and base their opinions on that. Inevitably, it’s difficult due to pictures, album covers, music videos.
AW: Where will you be headed this summer?
N: I will be performing in small in-store tours. My website has information regarding my upcoming appearances. Last month, I also performed at the kick-off game for the And 1/Mountain Dew tour.
DETAILS: Natalise will perform songs off her new album, I Came to Play, Friday, July 29 at Stonestown Tower Records in San Francisco, Calif. Dodge will be using her track “Get Me Off” for their national promotion campaign to reintroduce the all-new Dodge Charger.